How to Take a Screenshot on Mac

Taking a screenshot on a Mac is quick and easy with built-in shortcuts. Whether you want to capture the full screen, a selected area, or a specific window, macOS provides multiple ways to take a screenshot. In this guide, we’ll cover all the methods to capture screenshots on Mac, including MacBook and iMac.

1. How to Take a Screenshot of the Entire Screen on Mac

If you want to capture your entire Mac screen, follow these steps:

  • Shortcut: Press Command + Shift + 3
  • The screenshot will be automatically saved to your desktop.

2. How to Capture a Selected Area on Mac

If you want to capture only a specific part of your screen:

  • Shortcut: Press Command + Shift + 4
  • Your cursor will change to a crosshair.
  • Click and drag to select the area you want to capture.
  • Release the mouse button to take the screenshot.

3. How to Screenshot a Specific Window on Mac

To capture a specific window:

  • Shortcut: Press Command + Shift + 4, then press Spacebar
  • Your cursor will change to a camera icon.
  • Click on the window you want to capture.
  • The screenshot will be saved to your desktop.

4. How to Take a Screenshot Using the Screenshot Tool

Mac also offers a built-in Screenshot tool that provides more options:

  • Shortcut: Press Command + Shift + 5
  • A toolbar will appear at the bottom of the screen.
  • Choose between capturing the entire screen, a window, or a selected portion.
  • Click “Capture” to take the screenshot.

5. How to Take a Screenshot on Mac and Copy to Clipboard

If you want to copy the screenshot to the clipboard instead of saving it:

  • Shortcut: Press Command + Control + Shift + 3 (for full screen)
  • Shortcut: Press Command + Control + Shift + 4 (for a selected area)
  • You can paste it directly into apps like Photoshop, Notes, or Email.

6. Where Are Screenshots Saved on Mac?

By default, screenshots are saved to the Desktop. You can change the save location by using the Screenshot Tool (Command + Shift + 5) and selecting Options > Save to > Choose Location.

7. How to Take a Screenshot on Mac Without a Keyboard

If your keyboard is not working or you prefer using a mouse:

  • Open Launchpad > Other > Screenshot
  • Select the type of screenshot you need.
  • Click Capture.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I take a screenshot on my MacBook Pro?

Use Command + Shift + 3 for full screen or Command + Shift + 4 for a selected area.

2. How do I take a screenshot on Mac and edit it?

After taking a screenshot, click the thumbnail that appears in the corner to open the Markup tool for editing.

3. Can I change where Mac screenshots are saved?

Yes, press Command + Shift + 5, go to Options, and select a different folder.

4. How do I take a screenshot on a Mac laptop without a keyboard?

Use the built-in Screenshot tool in Launchpad under Other > Screenshot.

5. How do I paste a screenshot directly instead of saving it?

Use Command + Control + Shift + 3 to copy the screenshot to the clipboard and paste it into any app.

6. What is the best third-party app for screenshots on Mac?

Some popular apps include Snagit, Lightshot, and Monosnap.

7. How do I take a scrolling screenshot on Mac?

Use a third-party app like Snagit or ShareX to capture scrolling screenshots.

8. How to take a screenshot to clipboard on Mac?

To take a screenshot directly to the clipboard on Mac, press Command (⌘) + Shift + Control + 3 for a full-screen copy or Command (⌘) + Shift + Control + 4 to copy a selected portion.

9. How do I take a scrolling screenshot on Mac?

  1. Press Command + Shift + 5 to open the screenshot toolbar.
  2. Select “Capture Entire Page”:
    • In the toolbar, click the third icon (Capture Selected Window).
    • Hover your cursor over the window you want to capture (e.g., a browser window). A Capture Entire Page button will appear.
    • Click this button to capture the full scrollable area.
  3. Save the Screenshot:
    • The screenshot will save as a PDF by default (you can change the format in Options > Save to > Desired location).